Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Looking for a fun, flavorful dinner that’s quick to make and full of fresh, tropical taste?

You’ll love these Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa. They’re juicy, buttery, sweet, and a little spicy—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or even meal prep lunches.

Let’s break down how to make this easy and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos

• Quick and ready in just 30 minutes
• Light, fresh, and full of flavor
• Perfect mix of sweet mango and buttery shrimp
• Easy to customize with toppings
• Great for both kids and adults

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best garlic butter shrimp tacos with mango salsa:

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed if frozen)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a little spice)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the mango salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• ¼ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Other taco ingredients:

• Small flour or corn tortillas
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Sour cream or plain yogurt
• Avocado slices (optional)

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the Mango Salsa
   In a bowl, mix the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a little salt.
   Stir gently and set aside to let the flavors blend.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
   Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
   Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells good (don’t burn it!).
   Add the shrimp, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and lime juice.
   Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and slightly golden.
   Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Warm the Tortillas
   Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds on each side or microwave them for 10–15 seconds to make them soft and easy to fold.
4. Build Your Tacos
   Start with shredded lettuce or cabbage on the tortilla.
   Add a few garlic butter shrimp, spoon some mango salsa on top, and drizzle with sour cream or yogurt.
   Add avocado slices if you like.
5. Enjoy!
   Serve right away while the shrimp are still warm and juicy.

Taco Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they get rubbery if cooked too long
• Make salsa ahead of time – it tastes even better after sitting for a bit
• Use soft tortillas – they fold better and don’t break
• Add crunch – sprinkle with toasted nuts, tortilla strips, or even slaw
• Make it creamy – mix sour cream with a little lime juice or hot sauce for extra flavor

Fun Taco Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp for more heat.

Creamy Avocado Sauce
Blend avocado, lime juice, yogurt, and garlic for a creamy green drizzle.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grill the shrimp on skewers for smoky flavor instead of cooking in a pan.

Vegan Option
Use crispy tofu or grilled veggies instead of shrimp, and swap butter for olive oil.

Low-Carb Wraps
Use lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas if you’re cutting carbs.

What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are tasty on their own, but here are some great sides to serve with them:

Sides:

• Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
• Black beans and rice
• Corn on the cob or corn salad

Drinks:

• Lime water
• Iced tea or lemonade
• Sparkling water with fruit
• Kid-Friendly Pairings:
• Apple slices or orange wedges
• Yogurt or cheese sticks
• Mild salsa and chips

Make Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Make Ahead:
You can prep the mango salsa and shrimp earlier in the day. Just store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Storage:
Keep leftover shrimp and salsa in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat:
Reheat shrimp gently in a pan or microwave for 30–60 seconds.

Meal Prep:
Make a taco kit with cooked shrimp, salsa, and tortillas in containers. Assemble when ready to eat.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them first in the fridge or under cold water before cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, skip the butter or use dairy-free margarine, and use plant-based yogurt or skip the cream.

Is mango salsa spicy?
It’s only spicy if you add jalapeño. Leave it out for a mild, kid-friendly version.